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Wolverhampton gurdwara to remove screens separating worshippers Wolverhampton gurdwara to remove screens separating worshippers
(1 day later)
Screens separating disabled people from other worshippers at a Sikh gurdwara in Wolverhampton will be removed after a court case was settled.Screens separating disabled people from other worshippers at a Sikh gurdwara in Wolverhampton will be removed after a court case was settled.
The five worshippers alleged they were segregated from the main prayer hall as they could not observe the custom of sitting cross-legged on the floor.The five worshippers alleged they were segregated from the main prayer hall as they could not observe the custom of sitting cross-legged on the floor.
One woman said the screening felt like a "prison". Members accused the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara of discrimination.One woman said the screening felt like a "prison". Members accused the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara of discrimination.
A settlement has been reached and the gurdwara will now remove the screens. A settlement was reached and the screens had already come down, the gurdwara said.
See more stories from across Birmingham and the Black Country hereSee more stories from across Birmingham and the Black Country here
The terms of the settlement were approved during a hearing at Birmingham County Court on Monday.The terms of the settlement were approved during a hearing at Birmingham County Court on Monday.
Bosses of the gurdwara have agreed to remove all partitions within weeks and will install a lift to the first floor prayer room.Bosses of the gurdwara have agreed to remove all partitions within weeks and will install a lift to the first floor prayer room.
The five claimants included Bhupinder Kaur Chohan.The five claimants included Bhupinder Kaur Chohan.
She said: "The screening was like you were in a prison. On one side you've done something wrong; people [will] catch what you've got. That's how we felt."She said: "The screening was like you were in a prison. On one side you've done something wrong; people [will] catch what you've got. That's how we felt."
Malkit Singh, who has cerebral palsy, said the segregation had been "very hard" and had "upset" him.Malkit Singh, who has cerebral palsy, said the segregation had been "very hard" and had "upset" him.
Rajinder Singh Basi, chair of Sikh Forum Wolverhampton, described the result as a "victory".Rajinder Singh Basi, chair of Sikh Forum Wolverhampton, described the result as a "victory".
"Disabled people are not second class citizens and deserve enjoyment of the same right to worship and attend gurdwaras as everyone else," he said."Disabled people are not second class citizens and deserve enjoyment of the same right to worship and attend gurdwaras as everyone else," he said.
"Now the gurdwara must make changes and we look forward to them doing so," Mr Basi added."Now the gurdwara must make changes and we look forward to them doing so," Mr Basi added.
A statement on behalf of the gurdwara said: "In reaching this amicable settlement, the gurdwara would want to send the message that all are welcome with open hands and that the gurdwara would continue to address the needs of the aged, frail and the disabled in accordance with the guidance provided by Sikh Council UK."A statement on behalf of the gurdwara said: "In reaching this amicable settlement, the gurdwara would want to send the message that all are welcome with open hands and that the gurdwara would continue to address the needs of the aged, frail and the disabled in accordance with the guidance provided by Sikh Council UK."